Middle Tennessee will have the opportunity to be swept away to 1960s Baltimore in this international smash-hit musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance – and enough deliriously tuneful songs to fill a nonstop platter party.

It’s 1962 – the ’50s are out and change is in the air.

Baltimore’s Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion – to dance.

She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, The Corny Collins Show and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity.

But can a plus-size trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program’s reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her ‘do?

This fantastically fun musical was nominated for 12 Tony Awards and was the winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Hairspray ran on Broadway for seven years and a total of 2,642 performances.

Hairspray is directed by Justin Mangrum, produced by Jayne Perkins, with brilliant choreography by Julie Wilcox and musical direction by Tim Smith.

Hairspray will play at 7:30 Friday Saturday nights and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Center for the Arts through Sunday, Jan. 30.

Ticket prices start at $14.

For more information call 904-ARTS or visit BoroArts.org.